Panama entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Great news: from 2026, Malagasy passport holders can visit Panama without a visa for up to 90 days. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date and you have a return or onward ticket ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Panama. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers will verify it on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket within 90 days. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have a recent bank statement or credit card available. Immigration can ask to see you have enough funds — roughly $500 USD for a short trip is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you land in Panama, not your departure date. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
No visa needed — just show up prepared
Malagasy passport holders get 90 days visa-free. No embassy visit, no application fee. Just bring your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before you fly
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), print or screenshot your return ticket and first night's hotel booking. Get travel insurance and a local eSIM if you want.
2
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket (on phone or paper), and hotel address ready.
3
Present documents to the officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with up to 90 days.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Panamanian embassy; may allow extension beyond 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of sufficient funds and ties.
Long-stay visa (pensionado/retirement)
Max stayIndefinite
Validity5 years, renewable
Cost~$250 USD (estimated)
Requires proof of lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
5 years, renewable indefinitely
~$250 USD application fee
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers permanent residency path and discounts on services.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + investment of at least $300,000 USD in real estate or business
For investors who purchase property or start a business in Panama. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD application fee
Requires a job offer from a Panamanian employer and work permit approval. Employer typically sponsors.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For enrolment in a recognized Panamanian educational institution. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry available; no tourist visa required. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry available; no tourist visa required. | Not applicable |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration discretion; avoid overstaying. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Panama
No transit visa needed
Madagascar passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Panama's Tocumen International Airport (PTY) if staying in the international transit area and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, Schengen, UK, or Australia visa may transit without visa for up to 12 hours.
Transit hubsTocumen International Airport (PTY)
Health & vaccines for Panama
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa, South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Darién and San Blas provinces; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Panama City
Servicio Nacional de Migración (SNM) - Sede Central
Avenida Cuba y Calle 41, Bella Vista, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration procedures. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración - Regional Chiriquí
Calle 2da, David, Chiriquí Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For travellers in western Panama; handles extensions and permits.
Practical information for MG travellers
Country basics
CapitalPanama City
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyPanamanian balboa (PAB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 PAB
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BSame as US: two flat pins (Type A) or with grounding (Type B)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Panama before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Tocumen. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not required for entry from Madagascar. But if you've recently visited a country with yellow fever, you may need proof. Check with your airline.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The Darién Gap between Panama and Colombia is impassable by road — you must fly or take a boat.
You'll be fined approximately $100–$200 depending on how long you overstay. In serious cases, you could be banned from re-entering Panama for up to 5 years.
No. Panama does not require an online arrival declaration for Malagasy passport holders. You just show up with your documents.
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism only. For work or study, you need a separate visa or permit arranged before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.